Promises, promises as people make resolutions for 2014

At Hampstead Health and Fitness, Tori Bacheller expects to see more people like Joe Matriano coming in to work out as part of their New Year's resolutions. (NANCY BEAN FOSTER/Union Leader Correspondent)

HAMPSTEAD — Getting in shape, eating healthier, or just taking time to relax are easy New Year's resolutions to make, but following through on those commitments is the hard part.

"My resolution is to get back to the gym," said Emily Rodon of Merrimack, and for her husband, Ben, the goal is to eat healthier. "We've really been slacking off lately."

At Hampstead Health and Fitness, Tori Bacheller said lots of people have been signing up for memberships since Christmas and she expects a huge rush of folks after the New Year's Eve excesses have worn off.

"We'll have double the amount of people coming in that we have now," said Bacheller. "The resolution to lose weight is really common."

Bacheller said a lot of people set themselves up to fail, and by February, those resolutions have often been abandoned, but there are ways to stay motivated.

"People often have a huge goal of losing 50 pounds," she said. "What I recommend is that they break that down into smaller increments like 5 pounds at a time."

By making the goal attainable, people feel rewarded when they're successful and strive for more.

Bacheller also said that folks have to take their time getting back into working out so that they avoid injuries or discomfort that can hamstring their workout goals.

Kicking back

Shea Beaumont, owner of Good Times Smokeshop in Nashua, said his goal for this year is to work less, spend more time with himself and his family, and work on growing his business. He said the same seems to be true of his customers.

Unlike a convenience store that may experience a drop in cigarette sales as people give up smoking on New Year's Day, Beaumont said his cigar and pipe tobacco business remains steady because his customers understand the importance of kicking back.

"They take time for themselves and relax with a pint and a premium cigar," he said. "We cater to people who want to enjoy a few minutes just for themselves."

Long-term goals

"I have a year-round resolution," said Bentti Hoiska of New Ipswich. "It's to read more, and make more money."

Nancy Zlotek, owner of Annie's Book Stop in Merrimack, said the resolution to read more is a popular one.

"January, February and March is the biggest quarter of the year," said Zlotek. "People decide they're going to get to all those books they've wanted to read."

Mike McCall, prosecutor for the Milford Police Department, says he never makes New Year's resolutions.

"Everything in moderation is generally my view," he said. "I don't do anything to excess. I try to keep a balance."

Bacheller said that sticking to resolutions is all about attitude.

"I feel like people really do want to achieve their goals but life gets in the way or they come up with excuses," Bacheller said. "If you really want it, go out and get it."